This will be followed by two presentations from Mammut and POC. The companies have joined forces for the event, both with the aim of focussing on user safety. The history of the new avalanche transceiver goes back a long way: when Mammut launched the first avalanche transceiver in 1968, it only had an antenna. 50 years later, the new Barryvox has three antennas and a range of 70 metres. The technology can actually do even more, but the range is regulated by the market so that individual devices do not overshadow others. If, like me, you've always wondered where this useful device got its name from, here's the answer: the name is made up of two parts: "Barry" and "Vox". The first word refers to the famous St. Bernard dog, Barry, who lived in the Swiss Alps as an avalanche dog in the 19th century. With over 40 people rescued from avalanches, he became a legend of mountain rescue and is now a symbol of the importance of avalanche assistance. The second part of the name, "Vox", comes from the Latin word for "voice" or "sound" and refers to the acoustic signals that the device emits to locate buried people. Jaqueline Miler, Product Manager for safety equipment at Mammut, introduces us to the new Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 and explains the new features of the device. She also explains the cause of the recall: "A mechanical fault occurred in some of the devices when the individual parts were being assembled, but this was found and rectified within a few days. All devices now available on the market meet the highest standards and have been checked for faults.” The new avalanche transceiver from Mammut was developed in close co-operation with mountain professionals and athletes who have tested the Barryvox 2 intensively over the last few years. The result is a device that is now 22 per cent thinner and 30 per cent lighter than its predecessors, while at the same time being equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This includes the aforementioned range of 70 metres and an MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) display. As the pixels can store their content directly, they only require power when the colour or brightness needs to change. In addition, the display's reflective technology, which utilises ambient light, ensures high contrast and particularly good readability, even in direct sunlight or difficult lighting conditions. Another insider: If you take a closer look at the arrows on the display, you will notice that they are modelled on Swiss road symbols. A new feature is the device's fine search function, which is designed to guide you to your destination more quickly. We will explain exactly how this works in a separate article testing the Barryvox S2 - stay tuned. But first of all, I can say that I was impressed by the intuitive and fast handling during the quick test in the field. I was guided almost directly to the destination I was looking for.
One point I would like to mention is interference, for which Jaqui explains the 50/20 rule. The interference of the device differs in search and transmit mode, just like with all other avalanche transceivers. In transmit mode, the life-saving device should be worn at least 20 cm away from other electronic devices such as mobile phones, cameras and smartwatches - for example, the avalanche transceiver in the carrying harness in front of the chest and the mobile phone in the trouser pocket. Jaqui also advises keeping energy bars or other snacks in aluminium or plastic composite packaging away from the avalanche transceiver so as not to interfere with the transmission signal. In search mode, on the other hand, the interference from other devices is stronger, which we also experienced the following day during a terrain test. In search mode, electronic devices should be at least 50 cm away from the Barryvox S2. This means: put your mobile phone in your backpack, hand your cameras to your companions if necessary and keep your watch away from your wrist. This immediately improves the search range and precision. However, this in no way means that the interference technology in the Barryvox S2 is not effective - it is still able to detect and minimise interference and sends signals when it detects interference. However, safety product management emphasises that the safest way is to avoid interference in the first place.
